Story perspectives

Trump's Visa Overhaul: $100k Fees and New Residency Cards

9/20/2025

Summary

Story summary

President Trump signed an executive order on September 19, 2025, introducing a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applicants to prioritize U.S. workers.
The "Trump Gold Card" program offers U.S. residency for a $1 million fee, with corporate sponsorship available for $2 million.
A "Platinum Card" option allows stays of up to 270 days for $5 million, exempting foreign income from U.S. taxes.
The Gold Card program is set to replace the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, with 80,000 cards issued.
Critics warn these changes may weaken the H-1B program, essential for skilled labor in various industries.

History

Historical Context

The H-1B visa program was established by the Immigration Act of 1990, allowing U.S. employers to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, capped at 65,000 visas annually. By 2020, over 200,000 applications highlighted its significance, particularly in the tech sector. However, President Trump's recent executive order proposing a $100,000 fee for applicants threatens to reshape skilled immigration and economic growth in the U.S.

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Story summary

President Trump signed an executive order on September 19, 2025, introducing a $100,000 annual fee for H-1B visa applicants to prioritize U.S. workers.
The "Trump Gold Card" program offers U.S. residency for a $1 million fee, with corporate sponsorship available for $2 million.
A "Platinum Card" option allows stays of up to 270 days for $5 million, exempting foreign income from U.S. taxes.
The Gold Card program is set to replace the EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, with 80,000 cards issued.
Critics warn these changes may weaken the H-1B program, essential for skilled labor in various industries.

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